Parker's Second Reader eBook

1. A hare, who, in a civil way,
Complied with everything, like Gay, Was known
by all the bestial train Who haunt the wood, or
graze the plain. Her care was never to offend,
And every creature was her friend.

2. As forth she went, at early
dawn, To taste the dew-besprinkled lawn, Behind
she hears the hunter’s cries, And from the
deep-mouthed thunder flies.

3. She starts, she stops, she pants
for breath; She hears the near advance of death;
She doubles to mislead the hound, And measures
back her mazy round; Till, fainting in the public
way, Half dead with fear, she gasping lay.

4. What transport in her bosom
grew, When first the horse appeared in view!
“Let me,” says she, “your back
ascend, And owe my safety to a friend. You
know my feet betray my flight,—­ To
friendship every burden’s light.”

5. The horse replied:—­“Poor
honest puss, It grieves my heart to see thee thus.
Be comforted,—­relief is near; For
all your friends are in the rear.”

6. She next the stately bull implored;
And thus replied the mighty lord:—­
“Since every beast alive can tell That
I sincerely wish you well, I may, without offense,
pretend To take the freedom of a friend.
Love calls me hence; a favorite cow Expects
me near yon barley-mow; And when a lady’s
in the case, You know all other things give place.
To leave you thus might seem unkind; But see,—­the
goat is just behind.”

7. The goat remarked her pulse
was high, Her languid head, her heavy eye,—­
“My back,” says he, “may do you
harm; The sheep’s at hand, and wool is warm.”

8. The sheep was feeble, and complained
His sides a load of wool sustained: Said
he was slow, confessed his fears; For hounds eat
sheep, as well as hares.

9. She now the trotting calf addressed,
To save from death a friend distressed. “Shall
I,” says he, “of tender age, In this
important care engage? Older and abler passed
you by; How strong are those! how weak am I!

10. “Should I presume to
bear you hence, Those friends of mine may take
offense. Excuse me, then,—­you
know my heart; But dearest friends, alas! must
part. How shall we all lament! Adieu!
For see,—­the hounds are just in view.”

11. ’Tis thus in
friendships; who depend
On many, rarely find a friend.